UNITED STATES: More than 140 world leaders will head to the United Nations next week at a time of myriad crises, as a starring role for Ukraine's lead...
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who a year ago was obliged to appear virtually, will join leaders including President Joe Biden when the UN General Assembly formally opens Tuesday as he seeks to rally support against Russia’s bloody invasion. AFPPIX: More than 140 world leaders will head to the United Nations next week at a time of myriad crises, as a starring role for Ukraine's leader may only highlight the growing global fragmentation.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will kick off the week on Monday with a summit on development, hoping to keep a focus on meeting elusive goals for helping the neediest countries. “A multipolar world is emerging. Multipolarity can be a factor of equilibrium. But it can also lead to escalating tensions, fragmentation and worse.”Zelensky is expected Wednesday to attend a special session on Ukraine at the Security Council -- raising the possibility of a dramatic confrontation with Russia, a veto-wielding permanent member.Despite the starring role, Zelensky “has to tread carefully,“ said Richard Gowan, an expert on the United Nations at the International Crisis Group.
But leaders such as Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva “have made it very clear that they believe that now it’s time for diplomacy, and you may see quite a lot of friction between the Ukrainians and countries from the Global South,“ Gowan said. A UN report warned that the goals are in peril, with the Covid-19 pandemic as well as crushing debts setting back efforts in much of the developing world.
Biden will meet, however, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, giving him time in New York -- but not a White House invitation.